CIRCA Awards Two Research Seed Grants

May 23, 2022

CIRCA is pleased to announce two new climate research seed grants to the following UConn faculty. These awards are intended to support the development of competitive grant proposals while advancing CIRCA’s mission. Since seed grant projects will be completed in 12 months, results are expected at the end of spring 2023.

Ensemble Backcasting of Wave Heights in Long Island Sound

Dr. Nalini Ravishanker, Professor - UConn Department of Statistics

Understanding patterns in wave heights over time is an important climate resilience task. Knowing these patterns, especially those relating to the occurrence and timing of high waves can provide useful information to engineers and city planners for taking preventive steps to protect life and property. While wave height, wind speed, and wind direction data can be observed from off-shore buoys, these are only available for relatively short time spans such as 10-15 years. On the other hand, coastal stations that are proximal to a buoy may hold wind data for several decades, but lack wave height data. The purpose of this study is to build a reliable statistical model focused on available wind and wave height buoy data along with weather station wind data, and then use this model to predict (backcast) unknown wave heights in the vicinity of the buoy.

This approach is not restricted to data from Long Island Sound. In fact, the method can be widely applied to any buoy-station combination or to analyze and backcast variables other than wave heights, such as temperatures recorded at weather stations (e.g. airports) in order to backcast the latter. This pilot research will help to position a larger proposal for external funding.

Quantifying carbon dioxide and nutrient removal in the presence and absence of submerged aquatic vegetation

Dr. Cara Manning, Assistant Professor - UConn Department of Marine Sciences

Climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in Connecticut are being implemented or proposed, including the planting of submerged aquatic vegetation beds. Submerged aquatic vegetation provides a number of ecosystem services including providing habitat and shelter for fish and other species, reducing sediment erosion (through the rooted structures of the plants), and reducing wave energy reaching shorelines.

The objective of this research seed grant's pilot study is to characterize how submerged aquatic vegetation conservation and restoration affects carbon dioxide and nutrient removal. This will help quantify and compare net ecosystem productivity and sedimentary denitrification rates in the Niantic River estuary at three sites with different ecosystems. Study results will be relevant to planners who perform cost-benefit analysis for habitat conservation and restoration and will also help better predict the biogeochemical impacts of habitat conservation and restoration. This study will provide researchers preliminary data to support a larger-scale proposal to be submitted to the Connecticut Sea Grant Research Program (Long Island Sound Study) in 2023.

Giant wiffle ball-shaped reefs combat erosion of LIS shoreline

May 13, 2022

Stratford Point, CT. Photo Credit: Jennifer Mattei

May 9, 2022 News Story:

by Eduardo Cuevas
Rockland/Westchester Journal News

In the shadows of Playland Park, a stretch of shoreline has already receded, another product of climate change.

Westchester County officials estimate up to 40 feet has been lost in the last decade with repeated storms battering the Long Island Sound shoreline, located in the Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye.

“It’s accelerating, too,” said Robert Doscher, the principal environmental planner for Westchester, as he stood above a crumbling embankment on a recent cold, gusty Thursday. “That’s the downside.”

Scientists say such effects seen along the Long Island Sound are due to climate change. There are more frequent and severe storms, increased coastal flooding, and sea levels are rising.

Read here for the full story, including an interview with CIRCA’s Exec. Director Jim O’Donnell.

Learn about special challenges the Northeast is facing and how reef balls work.  Also see more on this topic from a CIRCA funded research project being conducted by Sacred Heart University: CIRCA Awards Matching Funds Grant to Purchase Reef Balls to Build Connecticut’s Largest Living Shoreline

CIRCA Hiring Physical Oceanography, Coastal Engineering Postdoctoral Research Associate to Support CT Resilience Planning

April 25, 2022

The University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks applicants for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) to provide support for activities associated with the development of the Resilient Connecticut project. CIRCA is a multi‐disciplinary center that coordinates applied research and engagement programs to develop and advance practical solutions to problems caused by changing climate.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) will work in a team developing science that supports the resilience framework for Connecticut.  The PDRA will gain experience working in a research team environment at CIRCA and have opportunities for professional development. With the supervision of the Assistant Director of Research, the PDRA will work on the development, testing and application of numerical models of circulation in complicated coastal areas to determine levels and patterns of flood risk. Assessment of the effectiveness of proposed risk reduction strategies will also be required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop, test and execute simulations of wave impacts and flooding in coastal areas.
  • Participate in field work/observation campaigns.
  • Critically analyze results and prepare reports and publications.
  • Prepare journal articles.
  • Participate in workshops and meetings for municipalities and regional councils of government on climate resilience and adaptation.
  • May participate in the planning, development and implementation of grant proposals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography, Coastal Engineering, or a closely related field.
  • Experience with modern, community models of coastal circulation and wave dynamics.
  • Experience with computing technology (e.g. Matlab, FORTRAN) and data management.
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to work effectively with a team of collaborators.
  • Ability to travel throughout the state of Connecticut and New England region, conduct oceanographic field work, and participate in occasional evening and weekend meetings.
  • Available to start work at Avery Point, Groton, CT within one month of offer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • A record of scientific publications and communications

APPOINTMENT TERMS

The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal.  Salary and benefits are competitive and will be commensurate with experience.  The successful candidate’s academic appointment would start as soon as possible at the Avery Point campus in Groton, CT.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #495222 to upload a cv, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on June 1, 2022.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Applications close: June 1, 2022

2022 Municipal Resilience Grant Program Awards

April 20, 2022

CIRCA is pleased to announce our 2022 Municipal Resilience Grant Program (MRGP) awards to the following four communities.  Projects need to be completed in a 12 month timeframe and will be completed in spring, 2023.

Fairfield

Town of Fairfield: Benefit Cost Analysis for Climate Resilience

 

Town-wide flood planning in Fairfield has identified coastal areas in need of Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) to implement resilience projects.  CIRCA's funding to do BCAs for 2-3 segments of the shoreline will help the town apply for larger sources to fund these projects.

HVA

Housatonic Valley Association: Advancing Priority Culvert Right-Sizing Projects in the Naugatuck River Watershed

This project advances HVA's assessment of barriers at road-stream crossings by funding surveys, design development, and permitting for "shovel-ready" priority projects.  Ultimately, the goal is to reduce flood risk and restore stream habitat connectivity in a comprehensive way across the watershed.

Old Saybrook

Old Saybrook: Back River Living Shoreline Design

A potential living shoreline project site is located west of a Rte. 154 bridge in Old Saybrook.  CIRCA is funding supplemental field surveys, conceptual design, and pre-application meetings for this pilot project with the goal of determining how a living shoreline can be considered for tidal marsh channel stabilization.

SCCOG

Southeastern Connecticut COG: Stormwater Authority Pilot Project

The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments is starting a pilot program to help municipalities take steps to implement stormwater authorities.  With CIRCA funding, they will engage directly with four communities interested in this resilience financing strategy by helping with outreach and feasibility studies.

UConn Resilient Communities Earth Day Conference

April 6, 2022

April 22, 2022
9:00 am – 1:15 pm 

A Virtual Conference 

Communities of all sizes and locations are being challenged by the present realities of climate change. Please join the University of Connecticut’s Center for Energy & Environmental Law (CEEL), the Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), and the Diversity Alliance for this CEEL Annual Earth Day Conference. Our interdisciplinary approach brings together specialists in environmental law, municipal finance, climate and marine science, community planning and more.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Linda Shi from Cornell University, will start the day by framing the decision-making challenges facing municipalities in a time of climate change. CT DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes will provide introductory remarks to frame the panel discussion, “Priorities for Municipal Resilience Planning.”

During the Conference, participants will:

  • Explore the relationship between food, equity, environmental justice, and climate change;
  • Learn about new tools and policies to assess and address climate vulnerability;
  • Recognize issues and overlap between resilience science, financing, and planning; and
  • Learn about support for and development of a Connecticut resilience project pipeline.

See the event website for a detailed agenda and to register.

Resilient Connecticut Expands Statewide

February 23, 2022

CIRCA has received State funds to expand Resilient Connecticut’s work from southwest Connecticut to the entire State. “Resilient Connecticut 2.0” will include a statewide expansion of the Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI) followed by climate adaptation project development in the communities of the Hartford area and southeastern Connecticut. This planning effort will help develop the “resilience project pipeline” as referenced in the Governor’s Executive Order 21-3. A new fact sheet is available about this expanded effort.

What Kinds of Challenges Are Considered in Resilient Connecticut 2.0?

At least five severe rain events caused flooding between June and October 2021, from Tropical Storm Elsa in July to Tropical Depression Ida in September. These floods caused damage to infrastructure and communities across Connecticut. While shoreline towns were spared significant coastal flooding in 2021, the storm of January 17, 2022 caused widespread flooding in coastal towns from New Haven to Stonington. Extreme heat events were recorded in June, July, and August, with the National Weather Service issuing an excessive heat warning on August 12, 2021. Climate change is affecting flood and extreme heat event frequency and intensity in the state.

How Can You Become Involved in the next stage of Resilient Connecticut?

Resilient Connecticut 2.0 will include three main components in 2022, from development of vulnerability assessment tools to preliminary development of project focus areas that we call “resilience opportunity areas.”  The third component will continue into 2023.

Spring 2022: Statewide Expansion of the Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI)

The CCVI developed for Fairfield County and New Haven County will be updated and expanded to the State of Connecticut, mapping flood and extreme heat vulnerabilities in all municipalities. Check out the viewer tools that will be updated to depict statewide flood and heat vulnerabilities. Your input is critical for ground-truthing the flood and extreme heat vulnerabilities mapped with the CCVI.

Spring/Summer 2022: Focused Planning and Municipal Engagement

CIRCA will meet with the municipalities of the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG), Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG), and Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments (RiverCOG) to delineate “zones of shared risk” for flood and isolation risks, screen actions from adopted hazard mitigation plans, and generate ideas for climate adaptation and resilience projects that address extreme heat, flooding, and flood-related hazards. These meetings may resemble prior consultations to update hazard mitigation plans, but will be focused on climate resilience over longer timeframes.

Fall 2022 to Spring 2023: Resilience Project Development

CIRCA will review social vulnerability index mapping, results of the CCVI, findings from the focused planning with the municipalities, and other planning priorities to select “resilience opportunity areas” and develop climate adaptation and resilience projects that address extreme heat and flood risks. Our ideas cannot advance to the State’s resilience project pipeline without your input. For examples of resilience opportunity areas developed in Fairfield County and New Haven County, view the individual maps.

Continuous Engagement

CIRCA plans to start meeting with the municipalities of CRCOG, SCCOG, and RiverCOG starting in February and March 2022.  We will also conduct several public webinars and have our annual summit on Earth Day, April 22, 2022.  Make sure you are subscribed to the Resilience Roundup to get information about events like this and other monthly updates in your inbox.  For more information, contact David Murphy, CIRCA’s Director of Resilience Engineering, at david.2.murphy@uconn.edu.

Read more in a March 5, 2022 article published in The Day, “Climate resilience initiative expanding into southeastern Connecticut.”

Podcast: Climate Change Effects on State Transportation

January 21, 2022

Our choices for how we travel have a lasting impact on the climate where we live, work, and play. In episode 23 of DOT’s Along the Lines that aired on January 18, host Rich Andreski and his guests from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and CIRCA discuss the importance of  making our vital public transportation systems more resilient to climate change.

DOT staff and CIRCA’s Director of Resilience Planning, John Truscinski join a roundtable discussion about the vulnerability of transportation and how decisions of greener commuting choices can help combat climate change. John describes how the frequency of flooding is increasing in areas previously flooded and the importance of incentivizing development and infrastructure in areas that have historically been “high and dry” on the coast.  DOT staff describe how they hope to weave sustainability and resiliency into the agency’s culture and approach.

CIRCA Hiring Postdoctoral Research Associate – Climatologist

December 20, 2021

Search #: 495935
Work type: Full-time
Location: Avery Point Campus
Categories: Postdoctoral Research Associates

JOB SUMMARY

The University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks applicants for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) to provide support for activities associated with the development of the Resilient Connecticut project. CIRCA is a multi‐disciplinary center that coordinates applied research and engagement programs to develop and advance practical solutions to problems caused by changing climate.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) will work on a team developing science that supports the climate resilience framework for Connecticut.  The PDRA will gain experience working in a research team environment at CIRCA and have opportunities for professional development. With the supervision of the Assistant Director of Research, the PDRA will work to determine the potential impact of global warming on the communities of Connecticut using measurements, data analysis and models.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop, test, and simulate climate data downscaling prediction, and evaluation
  • Researching the impacts of the climate and heat islands on eco-hydrological processes and their interaction with the community
  • Participate in fieldwork/observation campaigns to understand the micro-climate effect on the communities
  • Critically analyze results and prepare reports and publications.
  • Prepare journal articles.
  • Participate in workshops and meetings for municipalities and regional councils of government on climate resilience and adaptation.
  • May participate in the planning, development, and implementation of grant proposals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Ph.D. in meteorology, climatology, or a closely related field.
  2. Experience with computing technology (e.g., Matlab, Python) and data management.
  3. Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
  4. Experience with relevant instrument systems and satellite imaginary
  5. Ability to perform statistical analyses
  6. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work effectively with a team of collaborators.
  7. Ability to travel throughout the State of Connecticut and New England region, conduct fieldwork, and participate in occasional evening and weekend meetings.
  8. Available to start work at Avery Point, Groton, CT within one month of the offer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  1. A record of peer-reviewed publications.
  2. Demonstrated interest and/or projects in quantifying the impacts of global warming on communities and people.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal. Salary and benefits are competitive and will be commensurate with experience.  The successful candidate’s academic position would start as soon as possible at the Avery Point campus in Groton, CT.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment at the University of Connecticut is contingent upon the successful candidate’s compliance with the University’s Mandatory Workforce COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.  This Policy states that all workforce members are required to have or obtain a Covid-19 vaccination as a term and condition of employment at UConn, unless an exemption or deferral has been approved.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #495935 to upload a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on January 15, 2022.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Advertised: Dec 16 2021 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Jan 15 2022 Eastern Standard Time

CIRCA Announces Municipal Resilience Grant Availability

December 8, 2021

Storm Damage  flooded beach properties

CIRCA is requesting Municipal Resilience Grant Program applications (MRGP) from municipal governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in partnership with municipalities, and councils of governments (COGs) for initiatives that advance two specific climate priorities for the state of Connecticut: 1) implementation of stormwater authorities, and 2) development of a resilience “project pipeline.” Applicants can submit proposals for both tracks, but only one proposal for each track. Projects should be completed in 12-months.

This funding supports the state’s recent legislation, An Act Concerning Climate Change Adaptation (PA 21-115), and recommendations of the Governor’s Council on Climate Change (GC3). Importantly, this funding expands the capacity of municipalities to address local resilience financing and project development needs.  Project proposals in either track should be directly supported by a municipality as an applicant or with a letter of support and products should be transferable to other communities.

For more information and to apply, see the MRGP website.  

A webinar to learn more about this grant funding will be held on January 7, 2022 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. REGISTER

Eligible Applicants

Connecticut municipalities, NGOs in partnership with municipalities, and COGs.

Proposal Deadline

An original and complete application must be received no later than 5:00 pm on February 1, 2022.

CIRCA Hiring Oceanographic Research Assistant 2

November 24, 2021

Search #: 495852
Work type: Full-time
Location: Avery Point Campus
Categories: Research

JOB SUMMARY 

The University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences (DMS), and the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) seek a candidate for the position of Oceanographic Research Assistant to work as a member of a team of scientists based at the Avery Point Campus that deploy and maintain a wide variety of instruments to measure conditions in the coastal environment. Work on ships and small boats in challenging conditions and in all types of weather, and several multi-day trips per year will be required. The loading and unloading of equipment and deployment and recovery of instruments will require the capacity to lift and carry up to 40lbs for 10 meters.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

  1. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, Oceanography, Engineering, Physics or a closely related discipline and at least two years of experience OR, a Master’s degree and from no experience to one year of post-degree experience.
  2. At least 1 year of experience working with modern ocean science instrumentation; including the familiarity with the mechanical properties of wire and rope.
  3. A basic understanding of electronics (e.g. battery and charging systems) and electrical safety;
  4. Competence in standard office software for document, budget, and report preparation;
  5. Familiarity with effects of corrosion and corrosion limitation;
  6. Experience working in a laboratory with instruments and tools, including calibrations and the other steps required for instrument deployment.
  7. Proven effectiveness in communication and collaboration;
  8. The ability to work effectively on moving platforms, and to lift and carry 40 lbs of equipment. The qualification will require providing a physical examination.
  9. The ability to work on ships and small boats for several multi-day trips per year.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

  1. Diving certification.
  2. State of Connecticut small boat operator permit.
  3. Experience at sea in Long Island Sound.
  4. Experience launching a small boat from a trailer.
  5. A basic understanding of computer programming.
  6. Familiarity with computer-based design software.
  7. Experience with cranes and forklift trucks.
  8. Experience coordinating deck operation on a research vessel.

APPOINTMENT TERMS 

This is a full-time, 12-month annually renewable position. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 

Employment at the University of Connecticut is contingent upon the successful candidate’s compliance with the University’s Mandatory Workforce COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.  This Policy states that all workforce members are required to have or obtain a Covid-19 vaccination as a term and condition of employment at UConn, unless an exemption or deferral has been approved.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY 

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #495852 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on January 15, 2022.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Advertised: Nov 24, 2021

Applications close: January 15, 2022